THE INFLUENCE OF WATER ON CONCRETE PROPERTIES

The article investigates the fundamentals involved, and a selection of physical and chemical properties of water in relation to concrete are examined. Experience suggests that most problems are related to water as a component of the concrete mix. The author suggests that superior water reduction by vacuum dewatering would have prevented many of the problems. Concrete is subject to water surplus due to the requirements of cement hydration. In practice there is a demand for high consistency which tends to be against high workability. Conventional laying techniques require timing judgements with crude criteria such as floating/workability, bleed cessation and first set. Water reduction by low slump strategies is not sufficient to make substantial improvements in void structure. Superplasticisers can create better combinations of consistency/workability, but cannot significantly improve the void structure. When vacuum dewatering systems are used, the ready mixed concrete can be supplied at high consistency, precompacted by vibration, then further compacted and rendered workable by positive removal of surplus water. (TRRL)

  • Availability:
  • Corporate Authors:

    New Zealand Concrete Research Association

    Private Bag
    Porirua,   New Zealand 
  • Authors:
    • Tait, J
  • Publication Date: 1990-8

Language

  • English

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00617432
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
  • Files: ITRD, TRIS
  • Created Date: Nov 30 1991 12:00AM